Mr Ian Tyzzer surrounded by his 'elderly ambassadors'

Distribution of the rice and laisee was and still is on a 'first come first serve' basis. People started queuing from as early as 6 am and waited all-day until the specially blessed rice was distributed at an auspicious time in mid-to-late afternoon.

"The temple approaches were narrow, crowded and without cover from the occasional shower and very hot sun. Among the 8,000 to 10,000 people queuing there was always a great deal of pushing and shoving, queue-jumping, and bad-tempered squabbles, some of which led to violence.

"By last year, however, we were finally able to convince the organisers that it would be kinder and safer if the blessing ceremony and distribution took place here in the playground, and if people could be given a coupon of entitlement on their arrival specifying the time they should return to collect their rice (and laisee for the over seventies). It worked well.

"This year things have gone even more smoothly and comfortably than last for everyone involved Ñ the organisers, the recipients, and my officers on crowd management duties. There is plenty of room here in the playground and although it can be an uncomfortable suntrap, we have been able to borrow some lightweight, mini-marquees and a plentiful supply of free bottled water," said Mr Tyzzer with obvious satisfaction.

"About 100 patrol officers, in two shifts, have been deployed on crowd management duties, plus the District Police Community Relations Office staff. The latter had a big part to play in our planning, in training our specially appointed elderly fight crime ambassadors, and in broadcasting appropriate fight crime messages to the thousands of people waiting in line for their rice and laisee," he concluded.

District Police Community Relations Officer Ms Chan Yuet-ngor told OffBeat: "The use of active elderly people as fight crime ambassadors among their peers has been remarkably successful. No matter how well-intentioned or politely offered, many old folk often resent being advised or given instructions by youngsters, even their own children. They seem to be far more willing to listen to advice from perceived 'sages' of their own age."

Woman Police Constable Ms Kathie Chiu Chi-kwan commenting on the mood of the crowd she was helping to handle said: "They are mostly relaxed, friendly, and cooperative," said Ms Chiu. They behave quite differently to the activists taking part in demonstrations and react most positively to a friendly voice. They know we are simply taking care of those who need our help."

Senior Police Constable Mr Choi Hoi-tong, who has been in the Force for 25 years and spent a lot of time on crowd management, told OffBeat: "This event used to be the source of many problems for the elderly people and for our frontline officers. This year it is so well organised that very few people have got angry. Those who did, were easily calmed down by the Elderly Fight Crime Ambassadors and neighbours in the queue."

Elderly Fight Crime Ambassador Mr Chong Chor-wing, aged 71, told OffBeat that he was proud of his role. "I hope there are many more occasions when I can assist the Police to help elderly people enjoy life in safety and security, free from the unwelcome attention of burglars, deceivers, bag-snatchers and pick-pockets," he said.

Another Elderly Fight Crime Ambassador Ms Lui Ngan Lau, aged 59, was equally enthusiastic. "I have enjoyed helping out at this very important annual event for elderly people," she said, " and I hope that there will be more opportunities for me to serve the community as a Fight Crime Ambassador."

Exemplary crowd management ensures security, safety and comfort for all